February 20, 2006

British Defense Secretary Chastizes Armchair Critics of War

American media also should take note. UPI:

Defense Secretary John Reid urged the public Monday not to condemn British troops in Iraq, after video footage emerged showing soldiers beating Iraqi protesters.

While insisting he was not excusing abusive actions, Reid called for greater understanding of the severe pressures faced by troops serving in the country. In a speech at King's College, London, he attacked "armchair critics" who passed judgment based on the actions of a few while ignoring the good work of the many.

"We expect our people to uphold the highest standards of behavior and when they fail we will act, quite rightly," he said.

"But they also have the right to expect everyone else, whose safety is dependent upon them, to consider the environment in which they are operating before we pass judgment from the safety of a television studio, from the green benches of parliament or from the comfort of an armchair," he said.

By Rusty Shackleford, Ph.D. at 04:25 PM | |